In her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the demise of Ambient Photonics, notes a generational shift at a local coffee roaster and delivers names, numbers and events to know.
Local Business
City to reopen eastbound lane of Murray Street Bridge on Wednesday afternoon
The City of Santa Cruz is scheduled to reopen the Murray Street Bridge’s eastbound lane on Wednesday afternoon. It will restore traffic for vehicles and bicycles from the Seabright neighborhood toward 7th Avenue and two-way access for pedestrians.
Lily Belli on Food: Passing the baton at Alta Organic Coffee; El Toro Bravo is back; Living Swell Kombucha’s brick-and-mortar spot
In her Tuesday newsletter, Lily Belli spotlights a changing of the guard at a Westside coffee stalwart, the reopening of a Capitola Village fave, where you now can find Living Swell Kombucha outside of local farmers markets and plenty more in Santa Cruz County food & drink.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 27
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Capitola’s El Toro Bravo reopens after a yearlong rebuild
El Toro Bravo in Capitola Village reopened on Jan. 21 after a yearlong closure caused by a gas explosion and fire. With a refreshed interior and a bold new blue exterior but the same longtime menu and hospitality, the reopening of the decades-old restaurant marked a milestone for the multigenerational family behind it.
Healthy Oceans Seafood, parent company of Pescavore, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Following a rapid rise and national success, the parent company of Pescavore tuna jerky filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early January after mounting debts, lawsuits and evictions.
After 40 years, Alta Organic Coffee founder passes her legacy to a new generation
Founder Patti Spooner has passed Alta Organic Coffee, the Davenport-based roastery known for its dark roasts, to her granddaughter Lilly Spooner and “honorary granddaughter” Melia Spooner, ushering in a new generation for the 40-year-old family business.
Weekender: Three weekend hits and ‘8 Tens @ 8’
Lily Belli spotlights a just-reopened Capitola Village favorite and two local newcomers, just part of your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County this weekend.
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Meeting scheduled for proposed housing at Catalyst site; national retailer marks Santa Cruz debut
The Santa Cruz community gets a chance next week to learn more about the development proposed for the site of The Catalyst nightclub, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly look at local business. Meanwhile, home decor and retail chain Anthropologie is set to open on Pacific Avenue on Wednesday.
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of Jan. 20
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.

